The Return to Yunnan Gardens
– Text by Melody Tan & Editor AL
30th August 2026, Singapore – It had been quite some time since my last visit to Yunnan Gardens at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Well known among macro photography enthusiasts for its abundance of caterpillars, spiders and other tiny creatures, the garden remains an interesting location for anyone who enjoys exploring the fascinating miniature world of insects.
For this outing, I decided to bring along my macro photography gear and experiment with the Olympus Close-Up Filter. I mounted the filter onto my Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm Macro lens, paired with the OM-1 camera body and Olympus Twin Flash. It was a good opportunity to explore how the close-up filter could enhance my macro photography setup and help me capture these tiny subjects in greater detail.
Morning is usually a good time to explore the garden, when many insects can still be found actively moving among the leaves and vegetation. With my equipment ready, I began walking through the garden, keeping a close eye on the plants and foliage for any interesting subjects.
My favourite spot has always been the eastern section of Yunnan Gardens. In fact, I would estimate that around 90% of my macro photographs taken here were captured in this particular area. It is a productive location for insect photography, and there always seems to be something interesting waiting to be discovered if you take the time to look carefully.
As usual, I came across familiar subjects such as caterpillars and shield bugs. However, one thing that stood out during this visit was the noticeably greater number of spiders compared with my previous outings. These little creatures offered plenty of opportunities to observe their behaviour and experiment with different compositions and shooting angles.
Macro photography has a way of changing how we see our surroundings. What might appear to be an ordinary patch of greenery at first glance can become an entirely different world when viewed through a macro lens.
A closer look reveals intricate patterns, delicate body structures and fascinating details that are easily overlooked in our daily lives. Even familiar insects can become interesting photographic subjects when we pay attention to their movements, textures and interactions with their surroundings.
Having the Olympus Close-Up Filter mounted on my 60mm Macro lens also made this outing an opportunity to experiment with my equipment. Beyond simply photographing the insects, I wanted to see how the additional close-up capability would work with my existing setup, supported by the Olympus Twin Flash for lighting. Honestly, it takes a while to get used to it.
There were very few visitors in the garden during my walk, probably because I had arrived relatively early. The weather was already hot, and the combination of strong sunlight and high humidity made the morning feel rather warm and uncomfortable.
Perhaps these conditions contributed to the quieter atmosphere, although the early hour was likely another factor. For macro photographers, however, a quieter garden can be a welcome advantage. With fewer distractions around, it becomes easier to slow down, concentrate on the surroundings and search for those tiny subjects hidden among the leaves.
Despite the heat and humidity, the outing was worthwhile. The familiar caterpillars and shield bugs were there, while the greater number of spiders added an unexpected element to the morning’s discoveries.
Yunnan Gardens continues to be one of my preferred locations for macro photography. Every visit offers a chance to discover something new, experiment with equipment and appreciate the remarkable diversity of life that exists in even the smallest corners of nature.
Sometimes, all it takes is a macro lens, a little patience and a closer look at the world around us.
Getting here is easy, use the overhead bridge over PIE from Block 910, Jurong West Street 91.
Keen to join our walks? Click here to join our Whatapps Group!!
=========================
Contributing Editor – Melody Tan
Loves quiet walks along beaches, has a mind of her own and decides everything in life in either black or white with nothing in between. Her priority these days revolves around her 2 lovely kids & teaching them music or photography. A lover of yoga and an avid traveler, Melody aims to visit at least 30 countries before she reach 40 years old – from what we know, she had completed 35 as of 2025.
=========================
About Chief Editor AL Lee
Chief Editor & Founder of Ourshutterjourney.com Worldwide and Principal Trainer at Ourshutterjourney Photography Academy. AL is a commercial photographer as well as an educator who believes in the art of digital memories. Previous ambassador of several photography brands, AL is well versed in many camera systems. Someone once told us AL’s man cave looks more like a camera store than a bedroom.
========================
About Ourshutterjourney.com
Visit Our Online Store
Join Our Membership.
=========================
